What kind of leader do you prefer to work for? Darth Vader or Yoda?

A real-life personal story of how a dilemma over which flavour to choose revealed a self-reinforcing cycle of belief and experience, and ultimately led to a change in thinking.

There are many reasons for seeing a coach, not all of them driven by the person being coached. One of the keys to making coaching work for you is your level of motivation.

Here I compare three reasons: The Prescription, The Package and Purpose.

National leaders want to prove their worth in their first 100 days. For senior leaders in businesses and organisations, the only real difference is the size of their audience and the absence of media scrutiny. LinkedIn have reported that demand for external executive coaches is rising as businesses see how coaching can reduce the risk of new starters failing and avoid the costs of failure. Have you seen the light yet?

“Stress is a verb, not a noun.” How do you respond under pressure?

Exactly two years on from leaving the corporate world and setting up my own business, I have no regrets about becoming my own boss, in spite of the challenges. Maybe it’s time for you to do the same?

“Versatile managers are consistently regarded as the most effective leaders in their organisations.”

If this conclusion on research is true, then why wouldn’t you want to become more versatile as a leader?

I wonder, do you take any notice of the advice about getting away from your screen a few times a day so you can rest your eyes?

By refocussing on something just outside the window or across the office (if you remember those days), you flex your eye muscles and you reduce the risk of long-term eye damage.

When my wife and I celebrated a significant wedding anniversary a few years ago, we decided to visit Edinburgh for a long weekend. As we set out excitedly on our journey one bright, sunny morning, we closed the front door behind us.

A few hours later, we had successfully reached our destination, the suitcases were unpacked, and we were getting ready for our evening meal.

Your team needs you to bring light into their tunnel today. You can support and motivate them with some ‘jam today’, instead of them hearing only promises of ‘jam tomorrow’. What can you do to make a difference this week?